Category: English

Source: APO

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has received the close-out report of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC). 

The National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council was set up in September 2022 to guide the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and, among other things, to advise on strengthening the state’s anti-corruption architecture. 

The Council has therefore remained a vital element in the fight against corruption. 

In reflecting on the end of the three-year term of the Council, President Ramaphosa said: “While much of our attention is paid to efforts to detect and act against corruption, the success of our efforts relies on our ability to prevent corruption in the first place.

We need to build transparent, accountable and ethical institutions – both public and private – in which corruption is unable to take root. We need to build a society characterised by responsibility and integrity.”

The NACAC close-out report, which will be released publicly, consists of a set of recommendations which amongst others include the establishment of a permanent, independent, overarching anti-corruption body. Strengthening and coordination of law enforcement agencies, the use of Artificial Intelligence to prevent corruption and the establishment of an anti-corruption data sharing framework.

President Ramaphosa appreciated the report and the recommendations, affirming that they will need to be thoroughly reviewed and, where appropriate, be acted upon without any undue delay. 

The President said, “The report, observations and recommendations clearly demonstrate the extensive work and significant thought that NACAC has applied to these challenges. 

NACAC has given full effect to its mandate and has provided a firm, evidence-based foundation to take forward a comprehensive response to corruption.

The observations and recommendations will, as a matter of priority, receive the attention of the National Executive and the relevant institutions.”

The National Executive will process the recommendations of NACAC for tabling and deliberation in Cabinet. 

The final set of recommendations that will be adopted will then be implemented in accordance with the relevant and established statutory provisions and processes. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Source: APO

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President Wavel Ramkalawan this afternoon chaired a follow-up meeting to review progress on the Airport Redevelopment Project. 

The meeting follows an initial site visit and working session chaired by the President at the Seychelles International Airport on 31st July, during which the committee committed to reconvening one month later to assess developments and further expand on the proposals put forward.

Also in attendance were Vice-President Ahmed Afif, the Minister for Transport, the Principal Secretary for Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, the Chief Executive Officers of the Seychelles Airport Authority (SAA), the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), and the Seychelles International Airport (SIA), as well as representatives from key government departments and agencies. The meeting also engaged technical experts, the finance team, project planners, and airport management.

During the deliberations, members noted that the concept and proposals for the redevelopment have progressed considerably, with a shared vision of an airport that will meet Seychelles’ needs not only in the immediate years ahead but over a longer-term horizon of up to 30 years. Central to the discussions were ICAO standards, the current use of space, future passenger growth, safety, and practical considerations to ensure the redevelopment delivers an effective and modern facility that serves the country well.

Immediate solutions were also explored, including the possibility of installing a second luggage carousel to alleviate baggage collection delays, particularly during periods of multiple flight arrivals.

President Ramkalawan expressed satisfaction with the consultative approach being undertaken, noting that inclusive discussions with all relevant authorities and technicians enable Government to make well-informed decisions. He emphasized that the ultimate goal is to deliver an airport concept that meets international standards, responds to the nation’s ever-growing demands, and provides a facility that the people of Seychelles can take pride in.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

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President Wavel Ramkalawan today received the High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Seychelles, H.E Mr. Kartik Pandefor a farewell courtesy call at State House, marking the completion of his diplomatic tenure in Seychelles.

During the meeting, President Ramkalawan conveyed his sincere appreciation to the High Commissioner for his dedicated service in strengthening the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Seychelles and India. He noted the significant progress achieved under his tenure in advancing bilateral relations, particularly in areas of health, education, security, maritime cooperation, capacity building, infrastructure development, and people-to-people exchanges.

The President further expressed gratitude for India’s continued support to Seychelles, highlighting projects and initiatives that have contributed to the country’s socio-economic development and resilience.

The outgoing High Commissioner, H.E Pande for his part, extended his appreciation to the Government and people of Seychelles for their warmth, cooperation, and partnership throughout his posting. He reaffirmed India’s enduring commitment to further deepen relations with Seychelles in the years ahead.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

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In response to growing humanitarian needs following the Government of Djibouti’s directive on 3rd April 2025 of a one-month voluntary repatriation programme for irregular migrants, the European Union is providing €135,000 in humanitarian aid to support the urgent needs of those affected.

The EU funding is supporting the efforts of the Djibouti Red Crescent Society (DRCS) in delivering much-needed relief, including emergency shelter, clean water, food, protection, health and sanitation support to over 22,000 people.

The emergency response project will run for three months, until the end of September 2025. The funding is part of the EU’s overall contribution to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). 

Background

The European Union and its Member States are the world’s leading donor of humanitarian aid. Relief assistance is an expression of European solidarity with people in need all around the world. 

Through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department, the European Union helps millions of victims of conflict and disasters every year. With headquarters in Brussels and a global network of field offices, the European Union provides assistance to the most vulnerable people on the basis of humanitarian needs.

The European Union is signatory to a €12 million humanitarian delegation agreement with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to support the Federation’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF). Funds from the DREF are mainly allocated to “small-scale” disasters – those that do not give rise to a formal international appeal. 

The Disaster Response Emergency Fund was established in 1979 and is supported by contributions from donors. Each time a National Red Cross or Red Crescent Society needs immediate financial support to respond to a disaster, it can request funds from the DREF.  For small-scale disasters, the IFRC allocates grants from the Fund, which can then be replenished by the donors. The delegation agreement between the IFRC and ECHO enables the latter to replenish the DREF for agreed operations (that fit within its humanitarian mandate) up to a total of €12 million. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Delegation of the European Union to Djibouti and IGAD.

Source: APO

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HE President of the High Council of the State of Libya Dr. Mohammed Muftah Takala met on Thursday with HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the State of Libya Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Zabin Al Dosari.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral cooperation relations between the two countries. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, receives Amb. Alhaji Mohamed Sarjoh Bah, the newly appointed Permanent Representative of the African Union to the People’s Republic of China.

Discussions focused on consolidating and further strengthening the AU-China partnership, with particular emphasis on the effective implementation of the ten (10) Partnership Actions announced by President Xi Jinping during the 2024 FOCAC Summit. These include cooperation in areas such as industrial development, digital economy, green growth, health, trade, infrastructure, and human capital development.

The Chairperson highlighted the significance of China as one of Africa’s most longstanding and important partners, particularly within the framework of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

The Chairperson stressed the importance of coordination role with the African Group of Ambassadors in Beijing, ensuring that Africa speaks with one voice and that engagements with China remain aligned with the continent’s priorities under Agenda 2063.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

Source: APO

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HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met Thursday with HE Prime Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt Dr. Mostafa Madbouly.

During the meeting, they discussed the cooperative relations between the two countries and ways to support and enhance them, particularly in the fields of investment, economy, diplomacy, agriculture, food security, and social affairs.

Both sides affirmed their keenness to seize promising opportunities to advance bilateral relations to broader horizons in all fields, in a manner that benefits and fosters growth for both countries and their brotherly peoples.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, received Mr. Ali D. Mohamed, Special Envoy for Climate Change and Senior Advisor to the Executive Office of the President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Dr William Samoei Ruto.

Discussions focused on advancing Africa’s common position on climate change ahead of key global forums. The Chairperson and the Special Envoy emphasized the critical importance of a unified African voice to secure climate justice, increased financing for adaptation and mitigation, and the fulfillment of commitments made by developed nations.

Furthermore, the discussions covered strategies for mobilizing support for the African Union’s climate change priorities, and enhancing the continent’s resilience to climate-induced challenges.

The Chairperson assured the Special Envoy of the Commission’s continued commitment to working closely with all member states to ensure Africa’s interests are effectively promoted on the global stage.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

Source: APO

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The Ministry of Finance has announced plans to establish an independent Fiscal Council as part of sweeping reforms aimed at tightening oversight of Ghana’s public finances and restoring fiscal discipline.

Chief Director of the Ministry, Patrick Nomo, disclosed the move at a roundtable on shaping Ghana’s new fiscal authority, organized by IMANI Ghana and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD).

He explained that the Fiscal Council, backed by recent amendments to the Public Financial Management (PFM) Act, will serve as a watchdog over fiscal policy making and implementation. The Council is expected to enhance transparency, strengthen credibility in public finance management, and prevent a recurrence of past mismanagement that contributed to macroeconomic instability.

“As part of the reforms, we are establishing an independent Fiscal Council for improved oversight of fiscal policy. We are also introducing enforceable sanctions for fiscal mismanagement and setting new fiscal rules, including a debt-to-GDP ceiling of 45 percent by 2034,” the Chief director said.

He added that the Ministry is prioritizing the Council as one of several structural reforms under the leadership of Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, noting that stability is gradually being restored to the economy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Finance – Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO

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The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has inaugurated three Technical Committees.

The first to be inaugurated was the Technical Committee on Agriculture Financing, which has been given three weeks to develop a comprehensive policy framework to support financing for strategic economic crops.

Members of the Committee include:

• David Collison – Ministry of Finance
• Samuel Arkhurst – Ministry of Finance
• Cynthia Arthur – Ministry of Finance
• Frederick Amissah – Ministry of Finance
• Emelia Awuviri – Bank of Ghana
• Desmond Agbogah – Bank of Ghana
• Samuel Yeboah – GIRSAL
• Kojo Aboagye-Yeboah – EXIM Bank
• Prof. Eric Osei-Assibey – Development Bank of Ghana
• Edna Baffoe-Bonnie – Ministry of Finance (Secretary)
• Deborah Ashun – Ministry of Finance (Secretary)

In a related development, Dr. Forson also inaugurated the Technical Committee on the Oil Palm Project, with membership drawn from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Finance, Tree Crops Development Authority, Forestry Commission, and the Environmental Protection Authority.

Similarly, the Technical Committee on the Cocoa Project was inaugurated, bringing together representatives from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Finance, Ghana Cocoa Board, Tree Crops Development Authority, Forestry Commission, and the Environmental Protection Authority.

According to the Finance Minister, the committees are expected to provide actionable frameworks and strategies that will improve financing, enhance productivity, and ensure sustainability across the agriculture value chain.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Finance – Republic of Ghana.